Gas Permeable Membrane Cover for Storage Vessel Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible covers used in storage vessels can flex or bend, trapping gas and inhibiting its transmission, leading to system damage and failure, especially under negative pressure conditions, and existing insulating covers are expensive and difficult to construct.
Innovation Solution
A cover system comprising a gas permeable membrane adjacent to a gas impermeable layer, where the gas permeable membrane includes voids for gas flow and is buoyant or suspended above the liquid, facilitating gas extraction through controlled pathways while providing thermal insulation with fewer layers and lower production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible covers are used to seal storage vessels, then the vessel can be sealed and insulated, but the cover may flex or bend below the liquid surface under negative pressure, trapping gas and preventing its transmission to extraction openings
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into two distinct functional layers: a gas impermeable cover layer for sealing and insulation, and a gas permeable membrane layer for gas transmission. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, preventing the sealing layer from blocking gas while maintaining the seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas permeable membrane acts as an intermediary layer between the liquid surface and the gas extraction openings. It selectively allows gas molecules to pass through while blocking liquid, serving as a mediator that enables gas transmission without compromising the seal or allowing liquid ingress.
2Temperature
If existing insulating covers are used, then thermal insulation is provided, but they are expensive and difficult to construct
Solution Approach 1:
The gas impermeable cover layer simultaneously provides multiple functions: sealing the vessel, providing thermal insulation, and supporting the gas permeable membrane. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate insulating components, simplifying construction and reducing costs while maintaining insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover system uses a composite structure combining a gas impermeable cover layer with a gas permeable membrane layer. This composite design integrates sealing and insulation functions in one layer, eliminating the need for complex multi-layer insulating covers and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures efficient gas transmission and scavenging from storage vessels without system damage, while reducing construction costs through a simpler, cost-effective design that maintains insulation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The gas permeable membrane includes a number of voids that collectively create a number of passages through which gasses can flow
Implementation Method 2
The gas permeable membrane can be a buoyant material that substantially floats above the contained liquid or is otherwise suspended above the liquid level
Data Source
AI summary
A holding tank cover includes a gas permeable insulating membrane and a gas impermeable cover layer sized to overlay and conceal the gas permeable membrane. Together, the gas permeable membrane and the gas impermeable cover layer facilitate a controlled transmission of gas between an interior of the holding tank and an environment external to the holding tank.